Sri Lanka Navy seizes fishing vessel suspected of carrying drugs, weapons

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a multi-day fishing vessel suspected of transporting drugs and weapons during a special naval operation conducted in deep waters south of Sri Lanka.

Oil prices fall after Trump warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices fell on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump warned Iran to not block a shipping route crucial to global energy supplies.

No bus fare revision despite diesel price hike: NTC

The National Transport Commission (NTC) says there will be no revision in bus fares despite the recent increase in diesel prices.

G7 to take ’necessary measures’ to support energy supplies

G7 nations have said they are ready to take ’’necessary measures’’ to support the global supply of energy after the US-Israel war with Iran sent oil prices surging.

IRIS Dena attack: Iranian sailors died due to multiple injuries, drowning

The head of the team of Judicial Medical Officers who performed the postmortem on the bodies of Iranian navy personnel, Prof. U.C.P.Perera said the death had occurred to them due to multiple injuries and drowning

Low number of Israeli tourists in Arugam Bay amid off-season and regional tensions

The number of Israeli tourists currently staying in Arugam Bay remains low due to the off-season, although security measures in the area continue to remain tight, a senior police officer said.

National carrier takes new route via Afghanistan, Azerbaijan for European destinations

Following the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, has adopted an alternative route through Afghanistan and Azerbaijan for its European destinations, an official said.

Viking Sky cruise ship calls in Colombo with 700 tourists

The luxury cruise liner Viking Sky called at the Port of Colombo yesterday, bringing around 700 international travellers to Sri Lanka, as part of its voyage from Thailand to the Maldives, adding fresh momentum to the island’s cruise tourism segment.

Samsung Sri Lanka opens pre-orders for Galaxy S26 series

Samsung Sri Lanka has officially opened pre-orders for the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 Series, introducing its most advanced AI-powered smartphones yet to customers across the island.

Regulatory void leaves virtual asset sector exposed to financial crimes

Sri Lanka’s financial landscape is facing new challenges, as an unregulated virtual asset market opens potential avenues for financial crimes.

Week begins on a negative note

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.8 Bn.

Fuel prices increased

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel retail prices with effect from tonight (09).

Civil Aviation Authority refutes social media posts on charter flight to Rome

Refuting social media reports that SriLankan Airlines flight UL 1213 departed to bring a Government Minister back to the country, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said today the Minister mentioned in these reports had already returned to Sri Lanka several days ago.

Over 2,000 CEB employees apply for VRS

Head of the CEB Transformation Task Force, Pubudu Niroshan Hedigalla said today that a total of 2,153 employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).

EDL takes over CEB’s electricity distribution under power reforms

Electricity Distribution Lanka (Private) Limited (EDL) has officially taken over electricity distribution responsibilities previously handled by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), as part of the power sector reforms introduced through the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024.

Sajin Vass Gunawardena remanded

Former Parliamentarian Sajin Vass Gunawardena, who was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of illegally acquiring assets worth Rs. 243.8 million, was today remanded till March 24 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

CEB restructuring should have been done with utmost care: Sajith

The restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) should have been done with utmost diligence, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

Gary Kirsten appointed Sri Lanka men’s head coach

Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka national men’s cricket team, Sri Lanka Cricket said. His appointment will take effect from April 15, 2026.

New Secretary appointed to Ministry of Plantation, Community Infrastructure

Gunadasa Samarasinghe has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.

Global Tensions Trigger Sharp Sell-Off; CSE Ends Deep in the Red

The Colombo market suffered a sharp decline on 09th March 2026, as escalating conflict in the Middle East sparked fears of a global fuel supply shock, prompting panic selling across the CSE. The ASPI plunged 818 points intraday, and despite a modest recovery, closed 797 points lower, reflecting widespread caution among investors.

Putin congratulates new supreme leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new leader, the Kremlin says.

Electricity trade unions launch strike over job security concerns

Twenty-five electricity trade unions have launched strike duties from 3 p.m. today, demanding the signing of a collective agreement and assurances on employee rights in the aftermath of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring.

China says it opposes any targeting of new Iran leader

China said on March 9 that Iran’s decision to name Mr Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader following the killing of his father was a domestic matter, and it opposed any attempt to target him.

SriLankan Airlines operates special charter flight from Colombo to Rome

SriLankan Airlines has operated a special charter flight from Colombo to Rome today to repatriate a group of citizens, following a request from the Italian Embassy, informed sources said.

SriLankan Airlines to resume flights to Riyadh and Dubai

SriLankan Airlines has announced that it will resume its flight operations to Riyadh and Dubai following a temporary disruption caused by the situation in the Middle East.

Australians turn to VPNs after adult website blocked under new age laws

Virtual private network apps have skyrocketed up the app charts in Australia after a number of adult sites began blocking Australian users in compliance with new online safety codes in effect from Monday.

Teen arrested in Nawagattegama over viral reckless riding video

A 19-year-old youth was arrested by police in Nawagattegama after a video showing reckless motorcycle riding went viral on social media, police said.

Nedungamuwe Raja’s preserved body to go on public display from March 11

The preserved body of the famed elephant Nedungamuwe Raja will be opened for public viewing from March 11 and could remain intact for nearly 500 years if properly maintained, officials said.

Sajin Vass arrested

Former Member of Parliament Sajin Vass Gunawardena has been arrested by officers of the Bribery Commission on charges of amassing illegal assets worth Rs. 243.8 million.

Bangladesh orders all universities closed to save electricity

Bangladesh will close all universities from Monday, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures to conserve ​electricity and fuel amid a worsening energy crisis linked to ‌the conflict in the Middle East.